How Will I Know (How Many Cals to Eat?)

sugarplumj

Sorry for that poor homage to Whitney--I just couldn't resist.

I started with MFP last September at 1200 cals a day, had some marginal success (17 lbs), plateaued (natch) then I found this fantastic EMTWL group. I was so inspired I ran my numbers and started eating at TDEE - 20% two weeks ago. So far, I have gained back about 3 lbs, went through the phase of bloat, then great, then insane exhaustion pretty quickly in just 2.5 weeks. Now I am at the tail end of the exhaustion phase, but wondering what to expect next. Jumping from 1200 to full TDEE of 2300 just seemed really extreme and scary. I also decided to forego weigh ins for the month of June.

My question is--what should I be looking for as far as changes go? Right now I just feel rather blubbery and full, as if I am gaining everything back. If weight gain is steady for the next coupl of weeks, should I reduce again, say to 1700, or go for a full re-set (TERRIFYING!) Note, I have maintained my workout regime--5/6 days a week--calorie output has not changed. Shoud it?

Thanks everyone!

HeidiHoMom

You definitely should not reduce! If anything, you might consider doing only a 15% cut. I see you only have 20 lbs to lose so 20% cut is probably too much.

I think a reset is beneficial for everyone so you might consider trying that and then when you're done go for a 15% cut.

HeidiHoMom

As far as changes go, did you take your measurements before? Most people find they see a difference on the measuring tape before the scale.

Are you lifting weights? If not you might want to consider a heavy lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or something else.

sugarplumj

As far as changes go, did you take your measurements before? Most people find they see a difference on the measuring tape before the scale.

Are you lifting weights? If not you might want to consider a heavy lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or something else.

I haven't re-measured in about two weeks. The last time I did my numbers went up a small amount --eeek!
I really need to jump on this New Rules bandwagon, but I am wondering how I can manage it by not joining a gym and dealing with a small apartment.
thank you!

nyspotlight

I have been doing Chalean Extreme - a heavy lifting program that has a DVD - because I like following along and not having to think about anything but getting through each set.

I bought adjustable weights from target. They were $69 and could adjust from 2.5 pounds all the way up to 12.5 pounds. You can adjust in 2.5 pound increments - or even less if you don't mind the weights being unbalanced.

I just bought heavier weights after month one, also adjustable. It's definitely a monetary investment, but it really helps save space. And the ones I have definitely ended up being cheaper than a full set of different weights.

sugarplumj

I have been doing Chalean Extreme - a heavy lifting program that has a DVD - because I like following along and not having to think about anything but getting through each set.

I bought adjustable weights from target. They were $69 and could adjust from 2.5 pounds all the way up to 12.5 pounds. You can adjust in 2.5 pound increments - or even less if you don't mind the weights being unbalanced.

I just bought heavier weights after month one, also adjustable. It's definitely a monetary investment, but it really helps save space. And the ones I have definitely ended up being cheaper than a full set of different weights.

That's a good idea. I was looking into sets on Craigslist.org, but wasn't sure if it would be worth it, even with small storage space. Thanks for the feedback! How heavy are the new weights?